Cheese pie
Cottage Cheese Pie – A Classic and Surprising Delicacy
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10
If you are looking for a cottage cheese pie recipe that will delight your family’s taste buds, you have come to the right place! Cottage cheese pie is a classic dessert that has brought joy to many households over time. It is a versatile recipe that allows for the addition of surprise ingredients to create a unique flavor each time.
Necessary ingredients:
*For the dough:*
- 4 tablespoons of lard (for a rich taste and flaky texture)
- 600 g of flour (type 650, for a perfect consistency)
- 1/2 packet of baking powder (to help the dough rise)
- 200 ml of milk (at room temperature)
- 2 eggs (fresh, for a flavorful dough)
- 4 tablespoons of powdered sugar (to add a touch of sweetness)
- a pinch of salt (to enhance the flavors)
*For the filling:*
- 700 g of cream cheese (well-drained cottage cheese for a creamy filling)
- 4 eggs (fresh, to bind the filling)
- 3 tablespoons of semolina (to absorb excess liquid)
- Zest of 1 lemon (for a fresh aroma)
- 2 tablespoons of honey (for a natural and sweet taste)
*For brushing:*
- 1 egg (to give a golden color to the dough)
Step by step:
1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, start by mixing the lard with the powdered sugar. Use a spatula or a mixer on low speed to achieve a smooth, creamy mixture. The last thing you want is to leave sugar crystals intact, so make sure the sugar is well incorporated.
2. Adding dry ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this mixture to the bowl with lard and sugar, alternating with the milk and eggs. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic and non-sticky. It is important not to over-knead to avoid a tough dough.
3. Chilling the dough:
Once the dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step is essential to achieve a tender and manageable texture.
4. Preparing the filling:
In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese with the eggs, semolina, lemon zest, and honey. Mix well until you get a smooth mixture. The semolina will help absorb excess liquid from the cheese, ensuring the filling is perfect.
5. Assembling the pie:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll out the first part into a thin sheet and place it in a greased baking dish. Bake this sheet in the oven for about 10 minutes until it turns slightly golden.
6. Adding the filling:
Remove the baking dish from the oven and pour in the cheese filling. Spread it evenly, then roll out the second sheet of dough. You can give it a creative shape by cutting it into thin strips and placing them over the filling, forming an attractive pattern.
7. Finalizing and baking:
Beat an egg and brush the strips of dough on top with it to achieve a golden and shiny crust. Put the dish back in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the pie is nicely browned.
8. Cooling and serving:
Once the pie is baked, let it cool in the dish. Once cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar on top and cut into servings. The cottage cheese pie is served cold, being delicious and aromatic.
Practical tips:
- Make sure the cheese is well-drained to avoid a too-liquid filling.
- You can also add raisins or pieces of candied fruit to the filling for a pleasant surprise.
- This pie pairs excellently with a warm tea or a glass of fruit compote.
Nutritional benefits:
The cottage cheese pie is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs. Additionally, semolina provides a quantity of complex carbohydrates, ensuring energy. Although it is a dessert, when consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use lactose-free cottage cheese?
Absolutely! You can substitute cottage cheese with a lactose-free version to make the recipe more friendly for those with lactose intolerance.
2. How do I store the pie?
The pie is best stored in the fridge in an airtight container. It can last up to 3 days, but it is delicious even the next day.
3. Can I freeze the pie?
Yes, you can freeze the pie before baking it. Make sure it is well wrapped in plastic wrap. When needed, thaw it in the fridge and bake it directly from the freezer.
4. What other variations can I try?
You can add vanilla to the filling or experiment with different types of cheese, such as ricotta or goat cheese, to achieve a different flavor.
A personal note:
This cottage cheese pie has become a tradition in my family, and every occasion is perfect for making it. It is a dessert that brings pleasant memories and smiles, and every bite is an explosion of flavor. I encourage you to try the recipe and bring a touch of its magic into your home!
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons of lard, 600 g of flour, 1/2 baking powder, 200 ml of milk, 2 eggs, 4 tablespoons of powdered sugar, a pinch of salt. FILLING: 700 g of cream cheese, 4 eggs, 3 tablespoons of semolina, zest of 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons of honey. GREASE: 1 egg.
